Disability Support Worker Salary in Sydney (2026)

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Disability Support Workers in Sydney earn a median salary of $80,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $70,157 and $108,524. That sits 16% below Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 62 jobs advertised in Sydney in the last 30 days.

▲ High demand Top 23% of roles by listing volume in Sydney ↑ +6 listings vs last month
💰 Disability Support Worker · Sydney
ADVERTISED RANGE
$70,157 – $108,524
Median: $80,000
Aug $80k
Sep $80k
→ Stable

Based on 2-month data, short-term movement only.

Mid level $70,157 – $108,524
Overall $70k–$108k Mid $70k–$108k $68k $76k $85k $94k $103k $111k
Moderate confidence 62 listings (+6 vs last month) · 30/09/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 62 job listings for this role and city, all sourced from Seek.com.au. Of those, 57.1% stated a salary directly. The remaining 42.9% carried a range estimated from the listing, so this median blends advertised and estimated pay. Figures represent what employers advertise and may differ from actual compensation.

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Bottom 10%  $70,157 Median  $80,000 $108,524  Top 10%

Understanding the Sydney Market

The median held at $80,000 with listings up from 56 to 62. Newcastle leads at $85,000, the Gold Coast at $82,000, Adelaide and Brisbane at $81,000, and Sydney level with Melbourne at $80,000. Only Perth is lower at $75,000. At 57% salary disclosure this is a well-evidenced figure. The $108,000 ceiling is among the highest in this report, reflecting complex care and behaviour support roles.

Take Home Pay (based on median $80,000)

Weekly (net)
~$1,191
Monthly (net)
~$5,161
Annual (net)
~$61,933
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $89,200

Take-home calculated using 2025-26 ATO tax rates, no HECS debt, full Australian residency. Total package adds 11.5% superannuation to base salary. Adjust for your situation →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good starting salary for a junior Disability Support Worker in Sydney?
Entry is $70,000, with a Certificate III in Individual Support, an NDIS worker screening check and a driver's licence as the baseline. Medication endorsement and complex behaviour support competencies lift pay within the band. Most listings are full-time award positions rather than casual shifts.
Is $80,000 a good salary in Sydney?
No. At $80,000 a disability support worker earns 15.8% below Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000, with take-home near $1,191 a week against the highest living costs in this report. Newcastle pays $5,000 more at far lower living costs, which is a strong regional argument and only 90 minutes away. The high $108,000 ceiling is the redeeming feature here.
How much does a Senior Disability Support Worker make in Sydney?
The ceiling is $108,000, reached through team leader, house supervisor or behaviour support roles. Positive Behaviour Support training is the qualification NDIS providers fund separately. Registered nursing at $98,000 and allied health at $100,000 are the study routes that reset the range.

Other roles in Sydney

Disability Support Worker salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Sydney
Sydney (this page) $80,000 0%
Newcastle $85,000 +6%
Gold Coast $82,004 +3%
Adelaide $81,470 ~same
Brisbane $81,016 ~same

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Data sourced from publicly listed job advertisements. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Seek or any third-party platforms. Salary ranges represent advertised figures and may differ from actual compensation. Updated monthly.